Union government invites AP for panel discussion on energy efficiency

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh government has got recognition from the Union government for its reforms in power sector and methods being followed in energy efficiency and conservation.

AP is among only three states which were invited for panel discussions to be held in New Delhi on August 1 on energy efficiency and related issues. The discussion will be organised in view of the launching of first ever report on “State Energy Efficiency Preparedness Index” (SEEP) on August 1 in New Delhi. 

The index is being released with an objective to create healthy competition among the states for achieving goals of energy efficiency at a faster pace. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE- Union Ministry of Power), for the first time in the country, is going to launch its first report on state energy efficiency preparedness index.

A K Bhalla, Secretary of the Ministry of Power, will be the chief guest of the launching programme. In view of the launching of state energy efficiency preparedness Index, the Union Ministry of Power is conducting a panel discussion to share its view points on Energy Efficiency (EE) Index. Andhra Pradesh is sending a delegation to take part in it.  

AP is in forefront on implementation of reform for production and saving of energy. Impressed with the performance of AP in the energy sector, the Union government has invited the state. Besides Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Maharashtra states were also invited for the panel discussions.
The Index will be launched in coordination with NITI Aayog and Alliance for Energy Efficiency Economy (AEEE).

The main objective behind the EE index is to achieve an ambitious target of 132 billion units of energy savings and substantial monetary savings of around Rs 53,000 crore by 2022 all over India. Similarly, the Andhra Pradesh is saving energy by implementing reforms. It is estimated around 2,000 MU energy savings in domestic, municipal, agricultural and industrial sectors in the state.

A Chandra Sekhara Reddy, CEO, Andhra Pradesh State Energy Efficiency Corporation Limited (APSEEDCO), said on Monday, Ajay Jain, Principal Secretary to Energy and APCRDA, already held discussions with the higher officials of the Energy department, Union government. 

Chandrasekhar Reddy said the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) with the support of AEEE has prepared India’s first ‘State Energy Efficiency Index’ covering the 30 Indian states. He said Energy Index comprises 63 qualitative, quantitative and outcome-based indicators to assess energy efficiency initiatives, programmes and outcomes in 5 sectors –buildings, industry, municipalities, transport, agriculture and distribution companies (DISCOMs).